<p>African nations, actively exploring development pathways suited to their unique contexts in the post-colonial era, have demonstrated significant interest in diverse development models, including the Chinese experience. China’s rapid growth and its articulation of a distinct development philosophy, often termed the “Chinese development model”, have garnered considerable attention from African policymakers, academics, and civil society. This model is viewed as a critical reference point for understanding alternative development approaches and the potential for future China–Africa cooperation. However, the current dissemination of information and knowledge sharing regarding this model in Africa has yet to fully meet the demand for deeper understanding within African societies. That means while existing literature extensively examines Sino-African economic ties, less explored are the perception gaps in Africa’s engagement with China’s Development Model discourse. This study bridges this gap by analyzing 144,907 media items from 2021 to 2024. Meanwhile, This study identifies multiple interconnected challenges. To enhance the awareness and comprehension of the Chinese development model in Africa, a systemic approach is proposed.</p>